“Checkbook” Self-Directed IRA LLC Expalined
When an LLC is 100% owned by an IRA or combination of IRAs, it is commonly referred to as a Self-Directed IRA LLC or Checkbook Self-Directed IRA LLC. While an IRA owns the LLC through the purchase of membership units, it’s important to note that the same prohibited transaction rules applicable to the IRA generally apply to the IRA owned LLC.
Self-Directed IRA Owned LLC stems from famous court case
The tax court ruled in favor of a taxpayer in Swanson versus the Commissioner, 106 Tax Court 76, 1996, essentially ruling that the initial full investment in an entity by an IRA was not prohibited. In this particular court case, Swanson’s IRA was the sole investor/shareholder in a Corporation. As a result, the tax court ruled that since Swanson’s IRA was the initial investor in the corporation (i.e., the corporation had not previously issued any shares prior to Swanson’s IRA purchase of corporation shares) it was not considered a prohibited transaction. In sum, based on the Swanson court case and Field Service Advisory 2001-28011, the purchase of units in an entity such as an LLC or purchase of shares in a C-Corporation by a Self-Directed IRA or/and the IRA owner is not prohibited provided the units or share are issued for the first time and the purchase is made simultaneously.
The Checkbook Self-Directed IRA LLC
Deemed single member for tax filing purposes – An LLC that is solely owned by an IRA is considered a Single Member LLC for tax filing purposes; therefore, the Checkbook Self-Directed IRA LLC does not file a tax return. However, the IRA is subject to filing a tax return (Form 990T) in the event that UBTI or UDFI taxes are generated.
Why a Checkbook Self-Directed IRA LLC?
There are many reasons why the Checkbook Self-Directed IRA LLC is the investment vehicle of choice for investing retirement funds, including the following:
Alternative Investments
Besides still retaining the option to invest in equities (stocks and mutual funds), since 2002 the Self-Directed IRA Owned LLC has steadily grown in popularity as the common form of business for placing real estate purchases in addition to tax liens, precious metals, trust deeds and private company shares, to name a few.
Reduced Fees and Timely Place Investments
While alternative investments also may be placed directly through a Self-Directed IRA opened through a Self-Directed IRA custodian such as New Vision Trust Company, which was the dominant method up until the last 5 years, instead of using a IRA Owned LLC, now IRA investors are opting for the Self-Directed IRA Owned LLC to greatly reduce processing fees, holding fees and to process time-sensitive investment purchases such as real estate and tax liens.
How does it work?
After transferring retirement funds such as 401(k), 403(b), 457 plan and IRAs to the new Self-Directed IRA and then capitalizing the Self-Directed IRA owned LLC, start placing alternative investment purchases by writing checks directly from the LLC checking account. A Checkbook Self-Directed IRA LLC results in flexibility to invest retirement funds while still taking advantage of the tax benefits offered under the Traditional IRA and Roth IRA.
